For the safety of all, we’re staying inside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still grab a drink with friends. Yes, the Internet is a magical thing, indeed! During tough times, all social interactions—via phone call or video chat—take on a whole new meaning. We could all reserve a little extra space each week to let our hair down, have a laugh and enjoy the latest Paso Robles wines. Here’s how you can host your own virtual happy hour from the safety of your own abode!

1. Invite your friends

From WhatsApp and FaceTime to Zoom and Google Hangouts, there’s a plethora of ways to gather your favorite people on your next video call. Schedule a date and time that works for your friend group, then stick to the commitment. Who knows—this could become a weekly thing! Just be warned: The more people you invite, the more out of hand the conversation is likely to get. No, that’s not a bad thing by any means, but you should let your more introverted pals know beforehand what kind of happy hour they’re getting into. Whether you prefer a small group of two or three people or a bigger crowd, make sure you let your friends know what they’re in for before you hit that “invite” button.

2. Prepare your space

Clear off the coffee or dining room table and flip on a few extra lamps (good lighting on your face is key). Assemble a snack plate or order takeout from your favorite Paso Robles restaurants and wineries (order in from these awesome eateries and tasting rooms here). Make sure you have your wine or spirits glass, ice, water, napkins and everything else you might need at arm’s reach (this way, you aren’t constantly leaving the video feed while you and your friend are in the middle of a riveting conversation). Why not throw on a fun outfit too, just to lighten the mood? It is a party, after all.

3. Gather your bottles

It’s not as easy as it once was to pick up new wines and spirits. No worries! Purveyors in Paso Robles are ensuring that you get the new vintage despite the current circumstances. Love a good cocktail? Forager Spirits offers up curbside pickup each Saturday from 3-5p.m. (just order by phone or email before you swing by). Even better, you’ll get a handy two ounce bottle of hand sanitizer with your order! Want to see all the wineries and distilleries offering curbside pickup at the moment? See here.

4. Compare notes

Sure, a general happy hour is fun, but self-proclaimed wine geeks will enjoy the added stimulation of a more structured experience (especially since we aren’t able to get out to local tasting rooms to gab with fellow cork dorks). Hosting a virtual wine tasting isn’t as difficult as it sounds! There is no right or wrong way to do it. Encourage your friends to share details about the wine or spirits they’re enjoying (even if you’re all drinking something totally different). Create a few prompts before you start, including questions about bouquet, mouthfeel and finish. Compare, contrast, cheers.

5. Get discounts

Wine cellar looking a little sparse? Right now, you can take advantage of some amazing Paso Robles wine discounts that will truly boost your virtual happy hour experience.. Tooth and Nail Winery is offering free shipping on any purchase of three bottles or more, Kiamie Wine Cellars and ONX Wines offers $1 shipping, and Oso Libre and Austin Hope & Treana Tasting Cellar will only charge you a mere penny when you order four and three bottles or more, respectively (see websites for all details). You’ll also want to check out Cass Winery’s current discount: 10% off wine purchases and $10 shipping, including their newly released 2019 Oasis Rose, Marsanne, Roussane, Grenache and Mourvedre. You’ll also get 30% off wine purchases for club members and 10% off pick-up orders (Use code Cabinfever). Lusso DellaTerra is offering 20% off all wine purchases with code 20WINE and wine club members can enjoy 30% off with code 30WINE. Mix and match four wines for $69 while supplies last (including their Chardonnay 2017, Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Zinfandel 2015 and Avanzi).

6. Remember the dessert!

We could all use a little self-pampering about now. Leo Leo Gelato, master gelatier to the rescue! They are offering a 25% discount on their pints to add an affordable luxury to your daily routine, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Gelato is lower in fat than ice cream, yet creamier and more flavorful. Their gorgeous sorbettos are also made in the traditional Italian way, which means that only fruit, water, and egg whites are used, making it a zero fat and zero sugar option! Grazie to Italian ingenuity, we can have our cake and eat it too, without feeling guilty. Curbside pickup or delivery is available. Email order@leoleogelato.com

The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers. TOUR VIRTUALLY

Majestically set among vineyards, olive groves and fruit baring orchards, the 20-acre Allegretto Vineyard Resort is a world unto itself, offering breathtaking settings that inspire and bring joy to all who choose this memorable wine country haven. Featuring 171 rooms and suites, on-site spa, grand ballroom, wine tasting room, and inspired culinary creations at Cello, the resort’s full service restaurant.

Wouldn’t you love to wake up among the vines? Eden House at Carriage Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is on a real working vineyard and longhorn ranch in the Paso Robles Wine Region. Our rooms overlook vineyards, creeks and oaks, right in the Paso Robles Wine Country of Central California.

Spend an idyllic getaway at Briarwood Cottage at ONX Estate Vineyards in an English-cottage inspired vineyard-side home. Guests may rent rooms in the main cottage, reserve the entire main cottage for a large group, or book the fully equipped apartment. Wake up to peaceful vineyard views and spend twilight hours sipping wine on the back porch of the cottage. It’s a time you won’t quickly forget. Contact us for pricing and availability (see form below). Case, 6 Bottle, and 4 Bottle Collective Members receive preferred pricing.

Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®

Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves. TOUR VIRTUALLY

La Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.

Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping. TAKE AN AERIAL TOUR

Paso Robles Vacation Rentals, also known as PasoStay.com assists guests in creating memories and wonderful experiences by providing quality privately owned vacation home rentals in Paso Robles Wine Country. With over 90 vacation homes to choose from, small enough for a couple’s romantic getaway to large homes amongst local vineyards and olive orchards, PasoStay.com has the perfect option for you. Feel free to call 805-423-9174 to talk with a local expert or book online at PasoStay.com.